Save more with a Chime High-Yield Savings Account

The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) for a savings account with Chime is 1.25% for Chime members and 3.75% for Chime+ members.¹ 3.75% is 9x the national average for savings accounts.⁴

Plus, Chime offers additional ways to boost your savings by automatically saving from every paycheck and Round Ups on every transaction.²

To open a Chime Savings Account, you first need to open a Chime Checking Account online. During the enrollment process, you’ll have the option to open a savings account at the same time. But don’t worry if you miss that step – Chime Checking Account members can launch their mobile app, head to the Savings screen, and open a savings account at any time. No minimum balance required!

You can transfer money into your Chime Savings Account in two ways:

1. Transfer directly from your Chime Checking Account.
2. Route 10% of every direct deposit of $1 or more directly into your savings account.²

If option one seems right for you, you can easily fund your Chime Checking Account through mobile check deposit,¹⁰ direct deposit, Pay Anyone,¹¹ or an external bank transfer. Have cash? Make fee-free cash deposits12 into your Chime Checking Account at any Walgreens across the country. For a fee, you can make cash deposits at more than 85,000 retail stores in the U.S.

¹²Once the retailer accepts your cash, the funds will be transferred to your selected Chime Account. Barcode and debit card cash deposits land in the Checking Account. Credit Builder card cash deposits first go through your Card Account and then land in your Secured Account. Cash deposit fees may apply if using a retailer other than Walgreens and Duane Reade.

A savings account is a place where you can deposit money, and you can earn interest on the money you deposit over time.

When you deposit money with a bank, they can then use this money to lend to other people for a period of time. However, you can still access the money based on your account limitations. Most savings accounts are insured up to $250,000 through the FDIC, per depositor, per insured bank.³

A high-yield savings account is a savings account that pays interest at a higher rate than traditional savings accounts. While savings accounts are averaging an interest rate of 0.41%, some of the best high-yield savings accounts offer 5 times as much or more. With savings accounts, interest is typically expressed as an APY, which is how much interest you could earn over a year if funds are not added or withdrawn. APY accounts for compound interest, which is essentially making money on your money.

Chime+ members who receive a qualifying direct deposit^‡ earn 3.75% APY¹ with their high-yield savings account – that’s 9x the national average.⁴

The Annual Percentage Yield, or “APY,” is a percentage rate reflecting the total amount of interest paid on an account. This is based on the interest rate and how often interest compounds (interest on the amount you contributed plus any interest you already earned).

APY gives you an idea of what you can earn in a year if you keep a steady balance in your account. What you actually earn will depend on the balance in your account, but the APY can help you compare rates between accounts.

Before opening a savings account, compare APYs, and look for an account with one that’s higher than the national average. Chime+ members enjoy an APY 9x times higher than the national average⁴ – 3.75% APY¹ on deposits.

A variable rate is a rate that may change from time to time. It depends on a few factors, including changes in market rates and conditions. Chime does not take rate changes lightly, so we will always do what we can to provide you with the best rate.

The best high-yield savings account is the one that works for you, but when searching for a savings account, consider prioritizing online banking, low monthly fees, and, above all else, a high APY.

Because banks and credit unions routinely change their APYs, it’s difficult to name the single best high-yield savings account, but online banks have consistently provided higher APYs compared to traditional brick-and-mortar financial institutions. When you choose to bank through Chime, for instance, you gain access to a savings account that’s regularly among the best with a high APY, online banking capabilities, helpful tools to make it easier to save, and no monthly fees.⁵

Many financial institutions and financial technology companies allow you to open a savings account online. Online banking has become an important way for people to manage personal finance, with many financial institutions offering a full online suite of services. Chime, for example, makes it easy to manage your savings online and in the mobile app.

Yes, savings accounts have routing numbers, just like checking accounts. The routing number corresponds to the financial institution where you have your account. To find your savings account routing number, look for a 9-digit code on a deposit slip, or just reference your account statement online.

The main difference between checking and savings accounts is how you spend and save your money. Because checking accounts make your money more easily accessible – with checks, ATMs, debit cards, and online bill pay – you’ll typically use a checking account to pay for goods and services, like groceries, rent, concert tickets, and streaming services. Savings accounts generally earn interest compared to checking accounts; you should open a savings account to store money you don’t regularly need access to. Instead, the money can stay in the savings account to earn interest over time. Checking and savings accounts typically offer an added benefit over cash: They’re usually insured by the FDIC (or NCUA at credit unions) for up to $250,000 for deposits held at FDIC-insured banks.

Yes, savings accounts earn interest, though some may have minimum balance requirements to earn that interest. With most savings accounts, you earn interest every day, but the financial institution may not pay it until the end of the month.

How much money you should have in your savings account depends on your income, monthly expenses, and personal goals.

According to a survey conducted by The Motley Fool Ascent in July 2023, the median savings account balance among Americans is just $1,200.¹³

It’s a good idea to build an emergency savings fund as soon as you can; experts recommend that an emergency savings fund should be able to cover three to six months’ worth of expenses for you and your family.

After you’ve built your emergency savings, you can decide the best path for you: paying down debt; saving for other things, like a house, wedding, or vacation; or even investing.

A savings account is a common financial product that allows you to safely store your money and access it when you need it. Unlike most checking accounts, a savings account offers an APY, but the funds may be slightly more difficult to access. Most savings accounts are insured up to $250,000 through the FDIC, per depositor, per insured bank.

Many savings accounts tout themselves as fee-free, but when you read the fine print, you’ll see that there are strings attached. Some banks might require regular deposits to avoid fees, while others might charge a fee if your average account balance dips below a certain threshold. Read all fine print carefully before signing up for any no-fee savings account. If you’re looking for a savings account that truly charges no monthly fees, check out the high-yield savings account with Chime: It has a 3.75% APY¹ and has no monthly fees,⁵ minimum balance requirements, or even maximums on interest earned.

Some experts recommend having enough money in your checking account to cover one or two months of expenses, plus a 30% buffer for additional expenses.

The amount you need to put in your savings account depends on your lifestyle and what you can realistically save. Some experts recommend saving three to six months’ worth of expenses for an emergency fund.